Alhambra Palace: History, Design, and Enduring Legacy
The Alhambra: A Masterpiece of Nasrid Design
The Alhambra’s design is remarkably clear, skillfully masking the humble materials used in its construction. At the base, one finds ceramic sockets or stays, contributing to privacy and decorative richness, alongside geometric patterns and finial almenillas.
The upper sections feature carved plaster walls adorned with intricate decorations, including geometric and epigraphic motifs. These elements combine to create a profusion of colorful decorative effects.
Epigraphic Texts and Poetic Walls
A particularly fascinating aspect of the Alhambra is its incorporation of epigraphic texts in Naskhi script. These often repeat the Nasrid motto: “Only God is the victor.” The palace walls are also inscribed with numerous poems, showcasing contemporary Andalusian poetry from various palaces. This makes the Alhambra akin to a grand book, preserving the works of the most important poets of its time, thus holding significant documentary value.
Many of these palaces, now stripped bare, originally featured sumptuary arts that are currently missing.
Dual Nature: Fortress and Palace
The Alhambra uniquely merges two distinct architectural concepts:
- Military Architecture: Characterized by sober and austere elements like hallways and basements.
- Palace Architecture: Designed for royal residence and display.
It is strategically situated atop the Sabika Hill, surrounded by formidable walls.
Origin of the Name
The name Alhambra derives from Qalat al-Hamra (Red Castle), a reference to its ocher walls and the reddish clay soil of the hill.
Strategic Location and Early History
Its location offers high visibility and a strategic advantage. Muhammad I captured Granada in 1237, making it his capital. The following year, he decided to establish his residence here, building upon earlier structures such as the palace of the Jewish vizier Ibn Nagrela Yusuf.
The architectural history of the Alhambra truly began in the 13th century, as it was developed to meet the needs of a growing citadel and its surrounding grounds. Work commenced in 1238 on the western edge of the hill.
The complex features an elongated shape, designed to conform to the topography. It functions as both a defensive fortress and a residential compound, comprising a lower enclosure and a main enclosure with internal towers. The walls delineate a small military town with various rooms, specifically designed to accommodate a military garrison.
Citadel Construction Materials
The primary materials used in the citadel’s construction are masonry and cob, sometimes mixed with brick. Plaster is frequently applied for waterproofing. The entire area is encircled by a fortified zone, which was later expanded with additional gates and towers.
Key Structures and Areas
Homage Tower
Designed with a residential function, the Homage Tower features six vaulted floors. Muhammad I himself resided on the top floor. Its architectural style shows Byzantine influences.
Broken Tower
This tower primarily served a military function.
The Old Royal House
The Old Royal House forms the core of the Alhambra’s original buildings, contrasting with the 16th-century Palace of Charles V (the New Royal House). It represents a concentration of architectural wealth and economic significance.
The Mexuar
The Mexuar area was originally dedicated to administration, serving as a meeting place for ministers and featuring numerous surrounding units. Its current appearance has been significantly altered over time. Built under Ismail I in the first half of the 14th century and later refurbished by Muhammad V, it originally featured a domed qubba supported by four columns. It was later converted into a Christian chapel, with a high choir added in the 17th century.
The Golden Room (Cuarto Dorado)
The Golden Room is a long chamber providing access, through a portal, to the courtyard of the Comares Palace. This space was decorated during the reign of Muhammad V, forming a line of symmetry and featuring an Angrelado Arch. The courtyard itself is paved with marble, and at its center lies a fountain with a gadrooned cup at ground level.
Comares Palace Facade
The facade of the Comares Palace is among the most important preserved elements. It was constructed to commemorate Muhammad V’s victory in the Battle of Algeciras in 1369. It features two symmetrical lintelled doors. The left door is the sole entrance communicating directly with the Comares Palace, while the other leads to adjacent rooms. The facade has two rows or levels. The upper level showcases double windows set on marble columns, designed to draw attention to the central space between the two doors where the monarch’s throne once stood, effectively framing the ruler.